Naruto: Mikoto and Tsunade, don't let either of them go.

Moreover, with Teacher Qiushan right here, Kakashi would never go against Teacher Qiushan's opinion.

Kakashi, upon hearing Sasuke's words, slapped his forehead in exasperation. He knew how much Sasuke wanted to participate in the Chunin Exams, but this wasn't something he could completely control. He could only say helplessly:

"Sasuke, I know you're very eager."

However, as ninjas, teamwork is essential. Therefore, if you want to participate in the Chunin Exams, all members of Team 7 must agree to participate.

Upon hearing Kakashi's words, Sasuke immediately looked at Uchiha Kakuyama. Seeing his teacher nod slightly, he then looked at Naruto beside him.

Naruto naturally heard their conversation, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

Amid Sasuke's expectant gaze, a bright smile appeared on his face. He pointed to his headband with his thumb and said:

“Sasuke, no problem. I’m also planning to take the Chunin Exams. After hearing what Uncle Okayama just said, and the ninjas from Sunagakure and Kirigakure, I want to let them know the name of Naruto Uzumaki.”

Upon hearing Naruto's agreement, Sasuke, without bothering to criticize his words, immediately turned his gaze to Karin Uzumaki, who had remained silent until now. Although he didn't urge her, the expectant look in his eyes was quite obvious.

Karin Uzumaki naturally understood Sasuke's meaning. After glancing at Uncle Qiushan and seeing that he smiled and didn't seem to intend to stop her, she looked at Naruto and Sasuke, who were watching her, and finally nodded gently, whispering:

"I also want to try and see if I can improve my speaking ability."

Karin Uzumaki had one more thing she didn't say: she wanted Uncle Okayama to look at her with new respect and realize that she was no longer a child.

However, she still didn't have the courage to say it in front of everyone, so she just lowered her head with a slightly flushed face and didn't say anything more.

After obtaining Naruto and Karin's consent, Sasuke could no longer hide the eagerness on his face. He looked at Kakashi and said rather impatiently:

"Kakashi-sensei, our Team 7 has decided to participate in the Chunin Exams. Could you please register us?"

Kakashi had actually guessed the outcome long ago, so he wasn't too surprised by everyone's reaction. He simply nodded and said:

"Alright, I will report this to the Hokage."

Seeing that Kakashi had finished dealing with the situation, Uchiha Kakuyama turned his gaze to Shikamaru and the others. Although he didn't say anything, they all knew what he meant.

Shikamaru glanced at Choji and Ino beside him, then swallowed hard and asked, still somewhat unwilling to give up:

"Teacher Qiu Shan, um, can I give up?"

Although Shikamaru can be said to be the most intelligent among these tough guys, his personality is too shameless. He is lazy all day long, making people want to loosen his skin.

Uchiha Kakuzan was no exception. After hearing Shikamaru's words, a half-smile appeared on his face. His eyes narrowed slightly as he smiled and said:

"What do you say?"

Hearing the threatening words from Teacher Qiushan, Shikamaru's lips twitched slightly. After sighing, he had no choice but to resign himself to his fate and say:

"Alright, alright, Mr. Okayama, our entire Class 10 will also participate in this Chunin Exam."

After saying that, Shikamaru looked at Choji and Ino beside him and asked:

"You have no objections, right?"

Although Ino, who is outwardly known for her fiery personality and constant chatter, is the one who calls the shots in Class 10, this Class 10 is actually composed of women with outspoken personalities.

In reality, all of this is just on the surface. The one who truly has the final say is Shikamaru, who possesses an exceptionally high IQ.

Since both Ino and Choji are Shikamaru's childhood companions, they naturally understand his abilities very well.

Therefore, when Shikamaru makes a decision, neither Ino nor Choji will object.

And this time was no different. Upon hearing Shikamaru's words, Choji nodded and said matter-of-factly:

"I'll listen to Shikamaru. Whatever Shikamaru says, I'll do."

Ino, standing next to her, rolled her eyes smugly and then said:

"I was planning to participate in the Chunin Exams anyway. Since we need to team up, I'll reluctantly join you guys in this competition."

And Shikamaru, show some effort! Otherwise, I'm going to tell Uncle Shikaku.

Despite her seemingly arrogant demeanor, Ino actually cares deeply for her two companions; she's just being stubborn.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Kakuzan, seeing Shikamaru's sensible behavior, nodded with satisfaction, then said to Kakashi beside him:

"Kakashi, my Team 10 is also participating in the Chunin Exams. When you go to hand in your mission later, could you please list their names for me as well?"

Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuzan's words, Kakashi nodded obediently and said:

"Lord Qiushan, please rest assured, I will definitely report Shikamaru and the others."

Seeing this, Uchiha Kakuzan didn't say anything more. He simply patted Kakashi on the shoulder again before disappearing from everyone's sight.

After Lord Qiushan disappeared, Kakashi stared blankly at Konoha Village not far away and sighed:

"Another Chunin Exam."

Just then, Naruto, who had been holding back, finally couldn't contain himself any longer and asked with great curiosity:

"Hey, hey, Kakashi-sensei, what's going on with these Chunin Exams?"

Upon hearing Naruto's words, everyone looked at him in surprise. Kakashi and Sasuke's lips twitched violently, while Shikamaru helplessly covered his face with his hands.

It should be said that Naruto is indeed the ninja who is the best in the world. He has already signed up for the Chunin Exams with great determination, but he doesn't know anything about the Chunin Exams. It's no wonder that he is Naruto Uzumaki.

Chapter 443 Hyuga Hinata's Performance

Meanwhile, Uchiha Kakuyama had arrived in a forest.

"Gentle Fist Technique - Bagua Thirty-Two Palms".

With a delicate shout, a petite figure appeared in the clearing of the woods, seemingly forming a Tai Chi symbol beneath her feet. This petite figure stood at the very center, continuously unleashing the Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms at a person with long black hair and a beautiful figure.

However, the opponent she was targeting this time was far stronger than her. Even though she was already quite strong, none of her palm strikes hit the person.

Huff... Huff...

After finishing the palm technique, the petite figure finally stopped, slightly out of breath.

Kurenai Yuhi looked at Hinata Hyuga's somewhat disheveled appearance, shook her head helplessly, and then continued to persuade her:

"Hinata, you are already very strong. Becoming a Chunin is more than enough for you. You shouldn't push yourself too hard, or your body won't be able to handle it."

Kurenai Yuhi had been training with Hinata Hyuga here since early morning, so she naturally knew the intensity of Hinata's training.

Don't assume that Hinata's strength is insufficient just because she seemed somewhat exhausted after performing the Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms once.

It was because she had practiced the Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms countless times before, and this particular practice was just one of the more ordinary ones.

Upon hearing Kurenai's words, Hinata simply wiped the sweat from her brow and shook her head in slight panting, refusing:

"Teacher, Qiu Shanjun, Qiu Shanjun has now become a powerful figure that I can only look up to. If I want to follow in his footsteps, I can only cultivate even harder, and only then will there be a slight possibility."

I want to become strong, so that I can help Lord Qiushan.

Kurenai Yuhi hadn't expected Hinata to think that way. After a slight pause, her expression softened considerably. She gently ruffled some of Hinata's disheveled hair and then encouraged her:

"Since Hinata wants to help Qiushan-kun, she should work harder. Otherwise, the speed at which Qiushan-kun is improving his strength is really a bit hopeless."

Hinata, upon hearing Kurenai's words, seemed to remember something, and a look of anticipation appeared in her eyes. Her pure white eyes were fixed on Kurenai as she asked:

"Teacher Kurenai, do you know what level of strength Qiu Shan-jun really has? I only know that Qiu Shan-jun is the number one fighter in our Konoha Village, but I still don't know just how powerful he is."

Hearing Hinata's words, Kurenai Yuhi shook her head and said:

"Actually, I don't know Qiu Shan-jun's strength either. I can only tell you this: when Qiu Shan-jun stopped hiding his strength and made his first move, he killed more than ten Jonin with a single strike."

Moreover, that was several years ago, and Qiu Shanjun's strength had not yet fully matured.

And now, I believe that no one in Konoha Village truly knows just how strong Qiu Shan-jun is.

Upon hearing Kurenai's words, Hinata's eyes also lit up with longing.

He wiped out more than ten Jonin with a single strike. Just how terrifying must his strength be to achieve this?

The thought that she was still just a lowly genin made Hinata feel a little sad.

Can I really catch up with Qiu Shanjun's shadow?

Just then, Hinata Hyuga sensed a rustling sound of footsteps approaching her.

Hinata didn't think much of it and looked up, but unexpectedly, she met Qiushan-kun's gentle eyes.

Upon seeing Qiu Shan-kun, Hinata Hyuga was slightly taken aback, but immediately reacted and exclaimed with delight:

"King Qiushan!!!"

Upon hearing Hinata's words, Uchiha Kakuyama nodded in response.

Just then, a figure silently approached from the side. Just as this figure was about to attack Qiu Shanjun, he unexpectedly reached out and stopped her, pulling her into his arms.

Kurenai struggled restlessly in Qiushan-kun's arms for a couple of moments, but finding she couldn't break free, she gave up and lazily leaned against him. She looked up at his face and asked:

"Mr. Qiushan, what brings you here today?"

Hearing Kurenai's words, Uchiha Kakuzan looked at her, then at Hinata beside her, and replied:

"I'm just here to tell you that the Chunin Exams have started this year, and Hinata should make some preparations as soon as possible."

Upon hearing Qiushan-kun's words, Kurenai Yuhi spoke up:

"Kiu-san, don't underestimate Hinata. With her current strength, she might have a hard time against a Jonin, but among Chunin, she is definitely one of the best."

Hinata, standing nearby, lowered her head shyly upon hearing Kurenai's praise, a blush creeping onto her face. She replied in a soft voice:

"It's all thanks to Tsunade-sensei and Kurenai-sensei for teaching me so well; otherwise, I would never have the strength I have now."

Hearing Hinata's modest words, Uchiha Kakuyama shook his head with a smile. This Hinata, although Tsunade had made up for her physical deficiencies, allowing her talent to be fully displayed, is even stronger than in the original story. Perhaps even the current Hyuga Neji is no match for her.

However, her personality is still somewhat weak, and although this is Hinata's characteristic, it does not help her increase her strength at all.

But it doesn't matter anyway. With Uchiha Kakuyama's strength, how could he possibly let Hinata be bullied in the future?

Just then, Hinata Hyuga's expression suddenly turned serious, and she looked at Qiu Shan-kun and asked:

"Kiyama-kun, will you be watching the Chunin Exams this year?"

Although Uchiha Kakuzan didn't know what Hinata wanted to say, he still nodded and said:

"Yes, this Chunin Exams are a bit special, and I'm quite interested in them. If nothing unexpected happens, I'll keep watching."

Hearing what Qiu Shan-kun said, Hinata breathed a sigh of relief and said to him very seriously:

"Kyuu-kun, I will definitely achieve a good result in this Chunin Exam and impress you."

Hearing Hinata's words, Uchiha Kakuyama smiled and nodded, then said:

"Okay, I will definitely keep an eye on Hinata, and I look forward to your performance in the Chunin Exams."

Hinata is still quite young, but she's still very cute when she gets serious.

So when he saw Hinata like this, Uchiha Kakuzan was quite happy.

Chapter 444 Nono's Suffering

Just as Uchiha Kakuyama was talking to Hinata, he frowned slightly because he sensed a spatial mark calling to him.

Seeing this, Uchiha Kakuyama could only apologetically pat Hinata's head and say:

"I have other things to attend to, so I won't stay here any longer. Hinata, there are many participants from small ninja villages in this Chunin Exams, and it's a mixed bag. You must be careful to stay safe, understand?"

Feeling the closeness of Qiu Shan-kun, Hinata's face immediately flushed red. It was only in the last few years that Hinata had become somewhat accustomed to the closeness between the two; otherwise, she might have fainted on the spot.

"Qiu Shan, Qiu Shan-kun, don't worry, I will definitely protect myself. Besides, my two teammates are very good to me. With their help, I will definitely be safe."

Hearing Hinata's words, Uchiha Kakuzan finally turned his gaze to Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame, who were not far away, and nodded to them, saying:

"Hinata is a bit timid, so I'm entrusting her safety to you."

In fact, Hinata is completely different now than before. Because she is nominally the fiancée of the Uchiha clan leader, she is naturally highly valued by the Hyuga clan. There are actually two Jonin from the Hyuga clan secretly protecting her from a distance.

Moreover, even Uchiha Kakuyama arranged for a small team of ninjas to secretly follow Hinata Hyuga to ensure her safety.

However, no matter what, Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame are Hinata's teammates, and they have taken good care of her, so it's only right that Qiushan-kun be polite to them.

Upon hearing that Uchiha Kakuzan, such an important figure, was speaking to him, Kiba Inuzuka quickly patted his chest and assured him:

"Don't worry, Lord Qiushan, with us here, no one can hurt Hinata."

Even Shino Aburame, who had the least presence, nodded in agreement.

Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame both come from ninja clans. Ever since they were assigned to team up with Hinata Hyuga, their families have repeatedly told them to maintain a good relationship with Hinata and to take good care of her.

Both of them naturally knew that Hinata's identity was extraordinary, and given Hinata's kind nature, neither of them disliked her, so they naturally had a very good relationship with her.

Upon seeing this, Uchiha Kakuyama nodded to the crowd and then disappeared from the spot.

Konoha Village Orphanage